In Kentucky, you can hunt squirrels for most of the year. The main fall season usually kicks off in mid-August and keeps going through late winter, with a quick pause for modern gun deer season.
Check the exact dates and zone rules before you head out so you know when—and where—you can hunt.
If you want a better shot at success, figure out which squirrel species live in your area and what gear and licenses you’ll need. The rest of this article covers season dates, daily limits, and the rules that keep hunting legal and fair.
Squirrel Season Dates in Kentucky
You can hunt tree squirrels in Kentucky during long stretches in the fall and winter, plus there’s a short spring period and a youth weekend. Make sure you know the exact opening and closing days, the quick mid-season break, and those youth dates before you go.
Fall Season Dates and Breaks
The fall squirrel season starts on the third Saturday in August and runs through the last day of February most years. This long main season gives you plenty of time to hunt gray and fox squirrels across Kentucky.
If you need the precise date, check the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources calendar for the year’s third Saturday.
There’s a short break in November. Usually, the season closes for two days in early November at the start of modern gun deer season, then reopens right after that weekend.
Bag limits and zone rules won’t change during the fall season, so keep your hunting license handy and follow the department’s regulations.
Spring Squirrel Hunting Period
Sometimes Kentucky offers a spring squirrel season that runs from mid-May through mid-June. This window usually lasts about 30 days and comes with a lower daily bag limit than fall, so be sure you know the limit before you go.
Spring hunting often focuses on active squirrels in newly leafing hardwoods, which can affect where and when you set up.
Spring dates can shift by year and land type. Public WMAs sometimes use different dates, so check the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources or the state hunting guide for the exact spring season and any special rules.
Youth Squirrel Weekend
Kentucky hosts a youth weekend or youth week when young hunters can hunt with reduced or free license fees under adult supervision. These youth-only dates usually happen in late December or during a set youth week at the end of the year.
Youth opportunities give you a chance to introduce a young hunter to squirrel hunting in a safe, legal way.
Rules for youth weekend include age limits, required adult supervision, and sometimes a separate license for the youth. Double-check the youth weekend dates and any license waivers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources before you plan.
Kentucky Squirrel Hunting Regulations and Requirements
You’ll need a valid hunting license, you should know the daily limits, use allowed methods, and check the rules for the specific public land where you plan to hunt. Always read the rules carefully and carry any permits while you’re out.
Bag Limits and Legal Species
Kentucky lets you hunt gray and fox squirrels. The statewide daily bag limit is six squirrels unless a specific Wildlife Management Area (WMA) sets a different number.
Rules and limits can change each year, so always confirm before you hunt.
Some WMAs or special hunt areas set lower bag limits or shorter seasons. You can’t take juvenile or protected species, so brush up on your species ID before you go. If you trap squirrels, you have to harvest them unless you’ve got a captive wildlife permit from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources.
For more details and area exceptions, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife pages for small game and WMAs.
Permitted Hunting Methods and Equipment
You can use shotguns, rimfire rifles, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment where it’s allowed. Some WMAs limit calibers or don’t allow firearms for parts of the season, so check the local rules.
Using dogs for flushing is allowed in some areas—again, check before you try it.
You can’t hunt while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. During deer firearms season, archery hunters need to wear hunter orange; honestly, it’s smart to wear orange whenever it’s required for safety.
Trapping rules for squirrels match the standards for small furbearer trapping, and anyone 12 or older needs a trapping license.
Carry any required tags and show them to enforcement officers if they ask. For gear details and prohibited methods, check the Kentucky hunting regulations page on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
License and Permit Information
You have to carry a valid Kentucky hunting license to hunt squirrels. You can get licenses online through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website or at license agents all over the state.
Youth, senior, and resident/nonresident prices differ, so make sure you buy the right one for your age and residency.
If you plan to trap, get a trapping license if you’re 12 or older. Some actions, like keeping live-caught squirrels, require a captive wildlife permit from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.
Carry your license and any permits while hunting; law enforcement can ask to see them at any time.
If you’re new or just want help, reach out to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center by phone or email. They’ll help you figure out license types, fees, and any special permits you might need for certain WMAs.
Public Land Access and Zone Rules
Public hunting lands include WMAs and other managed areas. These places tend to have rules that don’t always match statewide regulations.
Some WMAs set their own season dates, bag limits, or even equipment restrictions. Honestly, you should always check the specific area’s listing online before heading out, just to be sure about the latest rules and where you can get in.
You’ll find maps and parking details on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources site. A few zones want you to have permits or even special draw permits, especially during busy hunts.
Don’t ignore posted signs, boundary markers, or seasonal closures for things like nesting or timber work. They’re there for a reason.
If you’re planning to hunt on federal or county lands, remember to check those agencies’ rules as well. Still not sure about something? You can always call the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center or reach out to the local WMA manager. That little bit of effort can save you from fines or making a mistake out there.
